Israeli president in Moscow talks

President Putin of Russia has told his Israeli counterpart, Moshe Katsav, that Moscow is willing to do all it can to help the Middle East peace process.

His comments came during a meeting at the start of a three-day official visit to Russia by Mr Katsav.

Along with the United States, Russia is a co-sponsor of the peace process.

But the BBC Russian Affairs analyst says Moscow has been disappointed not to have been more closely engaged in recent months to help ease tensions between the Israelis and Palestinians. Apart from the Middle East question, the Israeli president's talks are expected to focus on relations and trade.

He's also due to meet the head of the Russian Orthodox Church, Patriarch Alexis the Second.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service